Princeton Fant Bio
Princeton De’leon Fant is an American professional football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 11, 1999, Fant has built his career on resilience after navigating significant injuries during his high school years. Despite these setbacks, he became a top recruit from the state of Tennessee and went on to play college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. After going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, demonstrating the determination that has defined his path in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Princeton De’leon Fant was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 11, 1999. He grew up in the same state where he would eventually build his football career, attending La Vergne High School in La Vergne, Tennessee. The Nashville area produced a tight end who would later earn attention from major college programs despite facing early physical challenges.
During his high school years at La Vergne, Fant emerged as a versatile offensive contributor. As a sophomore, he recorded 14 receptions for 326 receiving yards while also adding 141 rushing yards on nine attempts, showcasing his dual-threat ability as a young player. These performances marked him as a prospect to watch within the Tennessee high school football landscape.
Path to American Football
Fant’s path to higher-level competition was interrupted by a serious knee injury. During spring practices following his sophomore year, Fant tore his ACL, prematurely ending what would have been his junior season. He then underwent additional surgery on the same knee, causing him to miss the majority of his senior year of high school football.
Despite these injury setbacks, Fant remained a top recruit from the state of Tennessee. His combination of athleticism, versatility, and recovery from major surgery convinced college coaches of his long-term potential. He ultimately committed to play college football at the University of Tennessee, joining the Tennessee Volunteers program to continue his development at the highest level of collegiate competition.
Princeton Fant Career
Early Career (2017–2022)
Princeton Fant began his college career with the Tennessee Volunteers during the 2017 season, when he redshirted to preserve a year of eligibility. The following season, he played sparingly at running back, giving coaches a glimpse of his offensive potential before a position change altered his trajectory. He would eventually switch to tight end, where his combination of size and athleticism translated into a more defined role.
During the 2020 season, Fant tallied 12 catches for 103 receiving yards and one touchdown, with his first career score coming on a six-yard pass from Harrison Bailey against Vanderbilt. As a redshirt senior the next season, he posted 13 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown. After that campaign, he announced he would return for a sixth season at Tennessee, and in 2022 he accounted for nine total touchdowns, including five rushing, three receiving, and one passing score. The passing touchdown came on a 68-yard throw to Jalin Hyatt on a trick play against UT Martin. At the end of the 2022 season, Fant announced he would enter the 2023 NFL draft.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–Present)
Princeton Fant signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, beginning his professional career with one of the NFL’s most recognized franchises. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent most of his rookie year developing. Throughout his rookie season, Fant was elevated from the practice squad twice, appearing exclusively on special teams.
He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024, signaling the Cowboys’ continued confidence in his development. On August 27, 2024, Fant was waived and re-signed to the practice squad, before being promoted to the active roster on November 27. On August 26, 2025, he was waived as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day, continuing his role within the Dallas organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
Princeton Fant’s career has been shaped by his perseverance through injuries and roster changes. His path from ACL surgeries in high school to the Dallas Cowboys’ active roster stands as a notable story of resilience. Reaching the NFL as an undrafted free agent and remaining with the Cowboys organization across multiple seasons marks a significant achievement in his professional journey.
Princeton Fant Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Princeton Fant comes from a family with established connections to professional football. He is the cousin of Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant, linking the Fant family to multiple NFL tight end roles. This family connection highlights a football lineage that has influenced Princeton’s path to the league.
Personal Life
Princeton Fant has a daughter named Aaliyah. As a father balancing the demands of a professional football career, he continues to build his family life alongside his work with the Dallas Cowboys organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season has brought new challenges for Princeton Fant within the Dallas Cowboys organization. On August 26, 2025, he was waived by the Cowboys as part of final roster cuts, a common step as teams trim their rosters to the regular-season limit of 53 players. The move reflected the competitive depth of the tight end position in Dallas.
Fant was re-signed to the practice squad the next day, August 27, 2025, allowing him to remain with the organization and continue his development. This pattern of being waived and quickly re-signed mirrors his earlier transitions between the active roster and practice squad, demonstrating the organization’s continued investment in his potential.
Looking ahead, Fant’s outlook within the Cowboys system will depend on opportunities to be elevated to the active roster during the 2025 season. His history of special teams contributions and versatility as a tight end give him a path to remain in the team’s long-term plans. Continued growth in his blocking and receiving skills will shape his trajectory in the seasons to come.